Hedychium spicatum Sm.

Hedychium spicatum Sm.

Shati, Kapoor Kachri

Family: Zingiberaceae.

Description: Habit: A tall, robust, perennial rhizomatous herb, typically growing up to 1.5 m tall. Roots / Rhizome: The rootstock is a fleshy, tuberous rhizome, with a strong aromatic odor and a bitter, camphoraceous taste. It is white and starchy inside. The rhizome is the most commonly used part. Leaves: Broadly lanceolate, up to 30 cm long. Flowers: Fragrant, white with an orange-red base, borne in a dense, terminal spike 15–25 cm long. Flowering generally occurs from August to October.

 Distribution (World & India): Global: Found throughout the entire Himalayan region. Distributed in Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. India: Found in the Western and Central Himalayas, and states like Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Altitude range: Occurs in subtropical and sub-temperate regions at elevations between 1,000 m to 3,000 m (3,500–7,500 ft).

 Habitat: Found in various forests (oak and deodar) and areas with rich, moist soil and sunny weather.

 IUCN Status / Conservation: Assessed as Least Concern (LC) (IUCN 3.1).

 Conservation Notes: Overexploitation from the wild, primarily for its essential oil, has placed the species into the vulnerable and rare categories in some regions.

Medicinal Properties & Traditional Uses (in India): Traditional Uses (Ayurveda/Folk): The rhizomes are extensively used to treat respiratory disorders (cough, asthma, bronchitis), fevers, digestive issues (dyspepsia, indigestion, diarrhea, vomiting, hiccups), liver complaints, and to relieve bad breath. It is also used as a tranquilizer, and for skin diseases, wounds, and rheumatoid arthritis. The rhizome powder is an ingredient in formulations like Chyavanprasha.

Pharmacological Activities (In vivo/In vitro): Studies support its use as an Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal), Antioxidant, Antihistaminic and Bronchodilator, Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Antidiabetic, and Hepatoprotective (liver-protective).

Chemical Constituents: The rhizome contains about 4% essential oil rich in Terpenoids (monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and diterpenoids). Major Compounds: 1,8-Cineole (a monoterpene and a main component), α-pinene, β-pinene, camphor, and β-caryophyllene.

Key Bioactives: Hedychenone (a diterpenoid, isolated as the main anti-inflammatory constituent).

Dose/caution: Rhizome powder (Churna): 1–3 grams. Caution: Without doctor or practitioners this should not be taken.

Status & Conservation While globally listed as Least Concern, the species is vulnerable due to over-harvesting from the wild for its high-quality essential oil, which is valued in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and perfumery industries. It is also widely used as an insect repellent (pediculicidal) and in the preparation of cosmetic powders for hair growth.

Citation: Hedychium spicatum Buch.Ham. – An Overview - PharmacologyOnLine. Pharmacological evaluation of extracts of Hedychium spicatum (Ham-ex-Smith) rhizome. Shati: Hedychium spicatum, Curcuma zedoaria Uses, Research - Easy Ayurveda. Shati, Kapoor Kachri (Hedychium Spicatum) - Uses and Benefits - IAFA Ayurveda. HEDYCHIUM SPICATUM - Kerala Naturals. Hedychium spicatum - Agriculture - Vikaspedia. Spiked Ginger lily (Hedychium spicatum) - Nisarga Biotech. An overview about Hedychium spicatum: a review. Hedychium spicatum: Boon for the medicinal field in future - bepls. Hedychium spicatum - eFlora of India. Hedychium spicatum - Wikipedia. Hedychium spicatum - Useful Tropical Plants. Perfumed Ginger (Hedychium Spicatum Sm): An Essential oil-bearing plant. An overview about Hedychium spicatum: a review. Chemical Examination and Hair Growth studies on the Rhizomes of Hedychium spicatum Buch.-ham. Anti-inflammatory and other pharmacological effects of Hedychium spicatum (Buch-Hem).